NOTE: This review is based on an ARC provided for free by the publisher. The publication information is subject to change. Expected publication date is September 17, 2013.

Continuing the quest for Glendower proves darker, more brooding and definitely more dangerous in book 2 of The Raven Cycle. Ronan’s back story is featured in this installment, just as we learned more about Adam in book one. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any more dangerous for Blue and her Raven Boys, more characters with very sinister designs are introduced. Once again, the book concludes with a moment’s breather for the seekers but we all know it’s a temporary respite.

I am so glad that Blue’s family plays more interesting roles in this story. I am also thrilled that the character development of the Raven Boys continues. Blue seems more of a wallflower in this installment, but as the foil, more characters developed around her. Richly developed characters are but one reason I love the first two books in the cycle.

The Dream Thieves is more sinister than book one. Characters from the real world as well as the dream realm are heart-thumping scary. And that’s a good thing. While book one enchanted me, book two has drawn me further into the world of ley lines, psychics and meddling teenagers.

Without a doubt, Stiefvater’s Raven Cycle is one of my top series. Since The Dream Thieves was so well-woven, I’ve no doubt the final two books in the series will continue to dazzle. I half expect to see phantoms from the corner of my eye for the rest of my life!

The down side of reading pre-publication copies of books is that I have that much longer to wait for the next installment to hit my Kindle!5P 5Q Grade Level: 8+Cover art: Well, at first the cover perplexed me. I didn’t like it. But after reading about Ronan and his “gift,” I get it. Will teens pick it up based on the cover? Perhaps. More likely they’ll select it because they’re anxious to learn more about The Raven Boys.

From Reading List: ARC (Advance Reading Copy), The Way It Could Be (Science Fiction or Fantasy)

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a librarian's view of the worlds within Young Adult bookshelvesDisclaimers: Per the FTC regulations, please note that sometimes books are received for review for free by publishers or authors. All books (ARCs, galleys, library or purchased) will be reviewed fairly; no special consideration is given to anything reviewed on this blog. In addition, I make every attempt to avoid spoilers. Sometimes they happen inadvertently or because they are important to defend a review; not all spoilers have been removed or fixed. This disclaimer is a general statement included as a warning to readers.

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